Case: San Diego, California, USA

Abstract

The City of San Diego chapter provides a basic introduction to the city including geography, land use, and climate and follows this information with an overview of its water system. The chapter then explains the many water-related challenges that San Diego has and continues to overcome, including drought, coastal erosion and flooding, as well as sea level rise. Interconnectedness between these different challenges is explained accompanied by an introduction to efforts to overcome these challenges. Throughout this explanation, the reader is directed to key studies completed to expand an understanding of vulnerabilities in the larger San Diego region (including and especially sea level rise). Specific key initiatives such as the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative’s Resilient Coastlines Project are highlighted, offering the reader insight into current resilient planning efforts for affected communities. The chapter concludes with a summary of key takeaways for in-practice implementation of urban resilience to water-related extremes.